Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and with that, stores in many places are flooded with heart-shaped candies, stuffed toys, balloons, and varieties of chocolates. While stores filled with red balloons and gifting materials is a common sight during Valentine’s Day in India and a few other nations, couples in Bulgaria celebrate their love with a glass of the excellent local wine, lovebirds in Wales exchange special and intricately handcrafted wooden spoons, and Romanian couples go to the forest to pick flowers and wash their faces in the snow as a sign of good luck. Valentine’s day traditions around the world occur in different ways that reflect local ideas about love.
Before you go on to learn the unique and interesting Valentine’s Day traditions around the world that make the day of love special in these countries, here’s a story about how it all started.
History Of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s day around the world is celebrated in the name of Saint Valentine, but who’s this mysterious saint and why’s the festival celebrated with such gusto! Although the truth behind the festival is murky, there are a few stories you would like to know. It’s said that Valentine was a priest who served during the 3rd century in Rome, And when emperor Claudius II announced that single men made better soldiers than those with families and wives, he outlawed marriage for young soldiers.
Valentine went against this injustice being done to young men and started performing secret marriages for young lovers. When the emperor found out about Valentine’s actions, he ordered that the saint be put to death. The other tale suggests that the saint may have been killed while helping the Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were tortured. Gradually, Saint Valentine became so popular that couples all across the world started celebrating Valentine’s Day as the day of love.
Valentine’s Day Traditions Around The World
If you are wondering how is Valentine’s day celebrated around the world, Check out the interesting Valentine’s day traditions around the world. This day isn’t all about flowers and chocolates around the world. Different countries celebrate it in their own way. Keep scrolling down to know more!
1. Argentina – For A Week Of Sweetness
Argentinians don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day in Feb, but “the week of sweetness” in July. It’s the day when lovers exchange kisses and receive chocolates and other sweets. In the country, the day actually started as a commercial invention but later became Valentine’s traditions.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: Puerto Madero, Rosedal
Places To Visit: Iguaza Falls, Tierra Del Feugo National Park, Ushuaia
How To Reach: you can fly in and out of Argentina from all the major countries of the world.
Must Read: 28 Most Romantic Places To Go On Valentine’s Day
2. France – Epicentre Of Romance
It is believed that the first-ever Valentine’s Day card originated in France, when Charles, the Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his wife from prison in 1415. The French village called “Valentine” turns into the epicentre of romance between the 12th and 14th of February. One can see the beautiful yards, trees, and homes decorated with love cards, roses, and proposals for marriage flakes. It probably is the most beautiful Valentine’s Day traditions in the world.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: NoLita, Benoit
Places To Visit: Paris, Eiffel Tower, Bordeaux, Marseille
How To Reach: Direct & indirect flights fly from here to all other major international airports of the world.
3. South Korea – For A Unique Set Of Experience
The romantic couples in South Korea celebrate the day of love on the 14th of each month. Yeah, you read it right! “the day of roses” is celebrated in May, “the day of kisses” is celebrated in June, “the day of hugs in December” and single people celebrate “the black day” in April by eating black noodles. It is a completely different and old Valentine’s Day traditions around the world.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: The Griffin Bar, Ryunique
Places To Visit: Busan, Jeju-do, Seoul
How To Reach: Flights are the suggested mode of commuting.
Suggested Read: Valentine’s Day In New Zealand
4. Philippines – A Gala Event
In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is the time when many young couples marry in an event sponsored by the government as a form of public service. Among the most amazing Valentine’s Day celebrations around the world, this one is a gala event in the country and a special day for young people.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: The Snack Shack, Hanamaruken Ramen
Places To Visit: Manila, Cebu City, Boracay
How To Reach: One can reach here by air easily.
5. Ghana – National Chocolate Day
Image Credit: Alla Zhuk for Pexels
In Ghana, Feb 14 is celebrated as the “National Chocolate Day.” It is a step that the Ghana government took in 2007 to increase tourism in the country. Ghana is among the largest cocoa-producing countries in the world. On Feb 14, one can attend performances, music events, and restaurants that have themed menus for the special day.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: Bread & Wine, Kaya Energy Bar & Design
Places To Visit: Cape Coast, Accra, Kakum National Park
How To Reach: Direct & indirect flights to and from Ghana fly on a regular basis. Thus one can reach here via flight easily.
Suggested Read: Valentine’s Day In Miami
6. Bulgaria – Day Of Winemakers
Like any other country, Bulgaria celebrates Valentine’s Day in its own style. On 14 February, San Trifon Zartan is celebrated in Bulgaria, which means “day of winemakers”. Young and old couples celebrate their love with a glass of wonderful local wine.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: Restaurant Bolero, Mario Cafe
Places To Visit: Sofia, Varna, Nessebar
How To Reach: Reach here by flights, the airport is connected to all other international airports of the world.
7. Wales – Day Of San Dwynwen
In Wales, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the most unique way. The country celebrates its day of love on Jan 25, which is called the “day of San Dwynwen.” On the day, lovers exchange unique and beautifully handcrafted wooden spoons to each other. This tradition has been practised since the 16th century.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: Cafe Citta, Slebech Park
Places To Visit: North Wales, Cardiff, Anglesey
How To Reach: One can reach the place via flight, train & by road.
Suggested Read: Valentine’s Day In Montreal
8. Spain – Feast Of Saint Dionysus
The day of love in Valencia of Spain falls on 9th Oct. This is known as the feast of Saint Dionysus. The festival is celebrated in most of parts of Spain by making ‘macadora’, a marzipan figurine. The figurines are made by men to gift to their female companions. One can also witness colourful parades on the streets of the villages of Spain.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: Jardin Secreto, Bar Galleta
Places To Visit: Barcelona, Granada, Madrid
How To Reach: A lot of international and domestic flights fly from here, thus commuting by air is a good way to reach Spain.
9. South West China – Sisters’ Meal Festival
In Miao, southwest China, the “Sisters’ Meal” festival is celebrated on 15th March. During the festival, women wear silver accessories and beautiful dresses, which are probably the most gorgeous Valentine’s Day customs around the world. They cook various dishes of coloured rice that’s offered on silk fabric to young men walking on roads. The destiny of the lovelies inside the object found in the chosen rice. Two chopsticks mean love and a clove of garlic means the love is over before it has even begun.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: South West China, Indian Pagoda Chinese Restaurant
Places To Visit: Chengdu, Emei Shan, Leijiang
How To Reach: One can reach here easily without any problems, as the airport flies international flights.
Suggested Read: Valentine’s Day In Goa
10. Denmark – A Celebration Of Love
Although Valentine’s Day is one of the new Denmark festivals, the country also celebrates the day of love and romance on 14th Feb with a twist. In Denmark, Valentine’s Day is not limited to roses and chocolates. Friends and lovers exchange handmade cards with pressed white flowers that are called snowdrops.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: Restaurant Grønnegade, Chez Bruno
Places To Visit: Copenhagen, Bornholm, Aarhus
How To Reach: Regular flights fly in and out of Denmark, thus it is convenient for travellers to reach here through air.
11. Romania – An Unusual Celebration
If you’re looking for some very romantic and unusual celebration of valentine’s day around the world, then Romanians won’t disappoint you. The day is celebrated on 24th Feb as the day when young couples get engaged. It is basically a mix of Valentine’s Day and the celebration of the spring season. Young men and women go to the forests to pick colourful flowers, while other couples wash their faces with snow as a sign of good luck.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: Zexe, Aubergine Restaurant
Places To Visit: Sibiu, Bucharest, Brasov
How To Reach: You can reach here easily through the air.
Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit In Romania
12. Estonia – A Festival For Everyone
On 14 Feb, Estonia celebrates Friendship Day known as Sobrapaev. This amazing festival includes everyone, from couples to singles. So not just couples, but family members and friends also exchange gifts and celebrate love.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: Ribe, Leib Restoran
Places To Visit: Tartu, Parnu, Tallinn
How To Reach: It is pretty convenient to reach here via flights as the airport is connected to majorly all other international airports of the world.
13. Japan – Exchange Of Unique Gifts
Japan does it quite differently. It is celebrated on 14th Feb and women buy gifts and chocolates for their male companions or lovers. Men can’t return gifts until March 14, which is called the “white day”.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: Sakura, En – Japanese restaurant
Places To Visit: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara
How To Reach: Direct flights fly in and out of Japan. Thus one can reach here via flight easily.
Suggested Read: 11 Romantic Places To Celebrate Valentine’s Day In Hong Kong
14. Czech Republic – Celebrate Romance
In the Czech Republic, Valentine’s Day has gradually become quite popular among young people. The festival is celebrated on 1st May in the country. On the day, young couples go on a pilgrimage to the statue of the poet Karol Hynek Macha, and kiss under the cherry trees for good luck.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: Coda, Le Grill
Places To Visit: Prague, Kutna Hora, Karlovy Vary
How To Reach: One can reach here easily without much hassle, as the airport is connected to majorly all other international airports of the world.
15. Brazil – Lovers Day
“Dia dos Namorados” festival, which is also known as “Lovers day”, is celebrated in Brazil. There’s a usual exchange of chocolates, cards, and flowers, and one can witness music festivals and dance performances. Gifting is not reserved for couples during the festival, family dinners are common on the day.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: Térèze, Skye
Places To Visit: Rio De Janerio, Salvador, Sao Paulo
How To Reach: Brazil airport flies a lot of international and domestic flights. Thus one can reach here through air.
Suggested Read: Valentine’s Day In Brazil
16. England – Festival Of Romantic Love
On Valentine’s day in England, women used to place five bay leaves on their pillows. This was done with an aim to bring dreams of their future husbands. In Norfolk, Jack Valentine acts as a Santa for Valentine’s day. Children anxiously wait for Santa, though they don’t get to see Old Father Valentine.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: Olive Tree Restaurant, Clos Maggiore
Places To Visit: London, Bath, Manchester
How To Reach: you can reach England via flight. The international airport is connected to majorly all the airports of all the world.
17. Italy – Popular Day For Couples
Originally Italians celebrated Valentine’s day as their spring festival. Another Italian valentine’s day tradition was for young, unmarried couples to wake up before dawn to spot their future husband. Today, Italians celebrate by exchanging gifts between lovers and romantic dinners.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: Prego, Tonino
Places To Visit: Rome, Venice, Florence
How To Reach: One can reach here via flight, the airport is connected to other major airports of the world.
Suggested Read: Valentine’s Day In Delhi
18. Slovenia – Show Your Affection
In Slovenia, St Valentine is one of the patron saints of spring. It is believed that on February 14, plants start to regenerate as this day marks the first day of working in the fields for the New Year. There is another popular belief that birds ‘propose’ to each other on this day. In order to witness this occasion, one must walk barefoot through fields that are often still frozen.
Best Places For A Romantic Dinner: Restavracija Most, Špajza Restaurant
Places To Visit: Bled, Istria, Ljublijana
How To Reach: Direct flights fly in and out of this place, one can reach easily here via flights.
Further Read: 14 Romantic Places For Valentine’s Day Celebration In India
Whether you’re single or already in love with someone, these centuries-old Valentine’s Day traditions around the world that celebrate love and friendship will give all of you something to enjoy. So, get packed and plan your trip to international right away!
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Frequently Asked Questions Related To Valentine’s Day Traditions Around The World
What are some traditions on Valentine’s Day?
Some popular valentine’s day traditions include exchanging gifts such as roses or chocolates, and a romantic night out or dinner. School children often exchange valentine’s card that may contain chocolate.
How do other countries celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Gifting materials is a common sight during Valentine’s day in India. Few other nations like couples in Bulgaria celebrate their love with a glass of local wine while in Wales they exchange special handcrafted wooden spoons. Valentin’s day celebrations around the world occur in different ways reflecting the local ideas about love.
Is Valentine’s Day celebrated around the world?
Yes, Valentine’s day is celebrated worldwide regardless of its origin. February 14 marks a day of celebrating love in a unique style around the world.
How many countries celebrate Valentine’s Day?
There are many countries that celebrate Valentine’s day with much fun and laughter. February is rightly referred to as the month of romance.
Who started Valentine’s Day tradition?
The history of Valentine’s day and the story of St. Valentine is shrouded in mystery. However, there are few stories associated with its origins.
Do they celebrate Valentine’s Day in Italy?
Valentine’s day in Italy was previously celebrated as their spring festival. Today, they celebrate by exchanging gifts and going on a romantic date with lovers.
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